Michael Jackson, Delayed Allegations and Witch Hunts

When Michael Jackson died unexpectedly in June of 2009, then-26-year-old choreographer Wade Robson – who has recently made headlines for accusing the pop star of molesting him – wrote about his longtime friend and mentor:

Michael Jackson changed the world and, more personally, my life forever. He is the reason I dance, the reason I make music, and one of the main reasons I believe in the pure goodness of humankind. He has been a close friend of mine for 20 years. His music, his movement, his personal words of inspiration and encouragement and his unconditional love will live inside of me forever. I will miss him immeasurably, but I know that he is now at peace and enchanting the heavens with a melody and a moonwalk.

Such a gushing statement came as no surprise to those who knew Robson’s backstory. During Jackson’s Bad World Tour in 1987, five-year-old Robson won a local dance competition in Australia. The reward was attending a backstage meet-and-greet with the King of Pop and the opportunity to join his idol on stage at the end of the concert.

Two years passed before Robson saw Jackson again. This time he was performing at Disneyland when his mother, Joy, decided to reach out to Jackson’s secretary to see if they could meet again. Jackson allowed the Robson family to visit him at the recording studio at Record One where he was working on his Dangerous album. He also invited them to stay at his Neverland Ranch. This hospitality was not unusual for Jackson. Around this same time, Jackson also spent countless hours at his Ranch with AIDS victim, Ryan White, who had been shunned, taunted and bullied at his school in Kokomo, Indiana. “Those trips to California kept me going,” Ryan White said. Similar positive experiences have been shared by hundreds of others.

Not long after their visit to Neverland, the Robson family decided to move to California to allow Wade and his sister, Chantal, more opportunities in the entertainment industry. Over the subsequent years, a friendship blossomed between the Robsons and Jackson. Wade Robson was ambitious and talented, and Jackson took on the role of mentor, teaching him the nuances of his craft and signing him to his MJJ Productions label. Jackson also gave him small parts in his music videos, including “Black or White.”

Robson went on to have a successful career in the industry, choreographing for the likes of Britney Spears and ‘N Sync, and later having his work showcased on shows like So You Think You Can Dance. In 2005, he married Hawaii native Amanda Rodriguez.

That same year, Robson, who had every reason to avoid the circus that was the 2005 Michael Jackson child molestation trial, decided to testify under oath about his experiences with the singer. First questioned by Jackson’s attorney Thomas Mesereau and then under rigorous cross-examination, Robson matter-of-factly gave his account of his time with the artist. Robson repeatedly and adamantly denied being molested or of any other inappropriate sexual activity.

After Jackson was acquitted of all charges a few months later, Wade Robson’s mother Joy spoke of their family’s relief about the verdict. “We were crying and screaming and crying and screaming…We all believed ultimately the truth would come out…I’ve always said to Michael, ‘I wished the world could know the Michael we do.'”

Wade Robson invited Jackson to his wedding later that year, but Jackson decided not to attend because he did not want to turn the joyous occasion into a media circus.

Jackson and Robson, however, remained good friends. Whenever asked, Robson continued to praise Jackson as his biggest inspiration.

They last met in Las Vegas in 2008. Jackson was living there with his three children and Robson was working on a show in the city. “Me, my wife and him and his three kids had a barbecue,” recalled Robson. “It was the most normal thing in the world.”

It had been over twenty years since they first met, and Robson was still, by his own admission, completely unaffected by any past abuse or trauma. His life and career were thriving. He also seemed to have no concerns about Jackson’s own young children.

According to initial reports, Robson’s attorney, Henry Gradstein, claimed the reason his client lied under oath and continued to praise the pop star following his death was because the alleged abuse was a “repressed memory.” Repressed memories — instances in which an individual believes they have blocked or forgotten a traumatic event before “recovering” it years or decades later — has become a highly controversial subject in the field of psychology. According to the American Psychological Association, “experienced clinical psychologists state that the phenomenon of a recovered memory is rare (e.g., one experienced practitioner reported having a recovered memory arise only once in 20 years of practice).” The overwhelming consensus by experts is that such “memories” are not reliable without corroborating evidence. Dr. Richard McNally, Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University, describes the phenomenon of belatedly recovered memories as “the most pernicious bit of folklore ever to infect psychology and psychiatry.”

In his interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show, however, Robson claimed that that his memories of abuse were not repressed; he was simply unable to process them emotionally or psychologically. Robson claims that he was fully aware Jackson was a child abuser at the time of his 2005 trial, but decided to lie under oath because he did not yet realize what happened to him was wrong. Robson was 22 at the time. But perhaps, one might assume, in the months or years to come he regretted his decision and reached out to authorities — at least to prevent further victims. Nope. Instead, he was barbecuing with Jackson and his family in 2008, and praising him without any pressure or prompt in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

It must be stated clearly that accusations of abuse must always be taken seriously. When an individual has told one story very credibly and convincingly as an adult, however, and then suddenly changes it with no corroborating evidence to file a creditor’s claim, it deserves a healthy dose of scrutiny. Believing such claims on faith alone can be dangerous, destroying lives and reputations with absolutely no proof beyond the accusation.

According to Wade Robson’s attorney, Henry Gradstein, it was sometime in 2012 when the choreographer had a mental breakdown, and “collapsed under the stress” of his recovered memory. Robson’s career had also taken a downturn with the choreographer mysteriously dropping out of many projects. Soon after, Robson decided to file a creditor’s claim against Jackson’s estate. Robson also filed a civil lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, in which he is reportedly targeting companies associated with Jackson. Whatever one makes of his allegations, then, they are not simply to heal or bring justice. Robson is seeking a payout.

In a statement, Howard Weitzman, an attorney representing Jackson’s estate, called Robson’s accusations “outrageous and pathetic…This is a young man who has testified at least twice under oath over the past 20 years and said in numerous interviews that Michael Jackson never did anything inappropriate to him or with him. Now, nearly 4 years after Michael has passed this sad and less than credible claim has been made. We are confident that the court will see this for what it is.“

Jackson’s attorney, Thomas Mesereau, feels Robson’s claims are shamelessly motivated by money, given the timing (a high-stakes trial between Jackson’s mother and concert promoter AEG Live, is currently being litigated) and the enormous amount of wealth the Jackson estate has generated since the singer’s death.

Regardless of one’s views of Jackson, Robson’s case raises serious questions about the nature and validity of decade-delayed allegations, especially when attached to money.

Dr. Elizabeth F. Loftus, a renowned cognitive psychologist and human memory expert from the University of Washington, notes that these memories can often be triggered by therapist suggestion. “Some contemporary therapists have been known to tell patients, merely on the basis of a suggestive history or symptom profile, that they definitely had a traumatic experience…Once the ‘diagnosis’ is made, the therapist urges the patient to pursue the recalcitrant memories.”

Wade Robson, then, could very well believe he was abused even if it never happened.

In any case, objectivity and fairness should compel at least some burden of proof. Robson’s own family members have repeatedly defended Jackson over a period of twenty years. Were all of them completely oblivious to what happened until just months ago?

Numerous other individuals who were close to Jackson as children continue to defend him with no apparent incentive for doing so. Since the latest allegations, several people who visited Jackson’s Neverland Ranch as children, have once again spoken out in support of the artist, including Alfonso Ribeiro, Frank Cascio, Brett Barnes, and Jackson’s nephews, Taryll, T.J. and Taj Jackson.

I will not sit back and let someone flat out lie about my uncle. PERIOD. I am writing these words knowing that the minute I press send, my life will never be the same afterwards…I was sexually abuse[d]. By an uncle on my mom’s side of the family when I was a kid. My uncle [Michael Jackson] was a support system for me and my mom. He wrote a letter to her that many have seen already, u just didn’t know what it was about. That is how I KNOW Wade is lying. Because I AM a survivor. My hands are still trembling. Don’t forget I was living at Neverland when Wade testified during my uncle’s case. I sat there and ate dinner with him and his family. I will not let them smear my Uncle’s legacy. I don’t want to go on TV. I don’t want publicity, I just want the truth. I hate that Wade made me do this, this way. But since my uncle Michael is no longer here to defend himself. I will.

Dee Dee Please read this article about child molestation and please read it to Taj, T.J., and Taryll, it brings out how even your own relatives can be molesters of children, or even uncles or aunts molesting nephews or nieces, please read. Love MJ.

Later faced with the public perception that he himself was a child molester, Jackson wrote these lyrics to an unreleased song, called “An Innocent Man”:

If I sail to Acapulco

Or Cancun, Mexico

There the law is waiting

And God knows that I’m innocent

If they won’t take me in Cairo

Then Lord where will I go?

I’ll die a man without a country

And only God knew I was innocent now.

As an eccentric, wealthy man who opened his home to thousands of people, including disadvantaged and ill children, Jackson was an undeniably easy target. But is it conceivable that of the hundreds of children who spent time with him, only a handful were abused? Is it possible that after two unannounced, scouring searches of his homes, in 1993 and again in 2003, resulting in no child pornography or other corroborating evidence, that the artist was nonetheless masterfully hiding criminal behavior?

Or have we, as a society, conflated Jackson’s difference and eccentricity with criminality? In 2005, infotainment pundit Nancy Grace infamously deduced Jackson’s guilt from his strange appearance and childlike sensibility. It was inconceivable to her that a grown man would want to spend so much time with children without wanting to have sex with them.

No doubt, after hearing these latest accusations, some will likewise conclude that “where there is smoke there is fire.”

Jackson, of course, is no longer here to defend himself. But the unacknowledged tragedy the fair-minded person must at least consider is this: the life and career of one of the most talented and creative artists of the past century was derailed and ultimately destroyed by allegations, innuendo, sensationalism and speculation, but no concrete evidence and no witnesses or accusers who did not want money.

The term “witch hunt” is often used to describe the moral panic and hysteria caused by individuals who threaten our sense of normalcy, order and social assumptions. They must be disciplined or punished to allow people to feel safe, regardless of actual guilt or innocence. So, for example, in the Salem witch trials, women were labeled, accused and sentenced to death for a range of perceived “suspicious” behaviors or traits. Or, historically, African American men have been unfairly profiled, targeted and lynched because of myths and culturally-ingrained hysteria about their “predatory” intentions with white women (see D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation).

Over his lifetime (and now in death), Michael Jackson faced more frivolous lawsuits than any individual in American history. During the Thriller era, dozens of women claimed he was the father of their children. As recently as 2010, a woman named Billie Jean filed a $600 million paternity lawsuit against Jackson’s estate.

In 2010, part of Jackson’s FBI file was released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the request of media, including British journalist Charles Thomson. “A lengthy report,” writes Thomson, “shows that when Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was raided in 2003, the FBI went over every computer seized from the property with a fine tooth comb looking for any incriminating files or internet activity. Jackson’s file contained individual summaries of the FBI’s findings for each of the 16 computers. Scrawled in capital letters across each of those 16 reports – ‘NOTHING’.”

Ostensibly a story about bringing a child molester to justice, the Michael Jackson trial would instead be a kind of homecoming parade of insipid American types: grifters, suckers and no-talent schemers, mired in either outright unemployment…or the bogus non-careers of the information age, looking to cash in any way they can. The MC of the proceedings was District Attorney Tom Sneddon, whose metaphorical role in this American reality show was to represent the mean gray heart of the Nixonian Silent Majority – the bitter mediocrity itching to stick it to anyone who’d ever taken a vacation to Paris. The first month or so of the trial featured perhaps the most compromised collection of prosecution witnesses ever assembled in an American criminal case – almost to a man a group of convicted liars, paid gossip hawkers or worse…

In the next six weeks, virtually every piece of his case imploded in open court, and the chief drama of the trial quickly turned into a race to see if the DA could manage to put all of his witnesses on the stand without getting any of them removed from the courthouse in manacles. Sneddon’s hard-on for Jackson was a faith-based vengeance grab every bit as blind and desperate as George Bush’s “case” against Saddam Hussein…

Jackson, of course, was acquitted of all charges in 2005 after two grueling years of investigations, testimony and proceedings. Four years later, in 2009, after years of living as a cultural pariah, a vagabond drifting from country to country, he died at the age of fifty in Los Angeles. The silver lining, one assumed, was that at least his many troubles would end and the focus could return to his rich artistic legacy. But as long as big money is involved, it seems, the relentless stream of grifters will continue.

And in the court of public opinion, the Michael Jackson witch trial goes on.

Dear Mr. Vogel, I cannot express with enough words the impact your powerful article has made on me. I am sitting here with so many emotions right now and its hard not to cry. So cry I will. I am so glad to know that Michael Jackson is represented by people like yourself, I just wished that there would be more like you. I also wish that your fact filled article would reach worldwide audiences. May be you could publish it in the Huffington Post like all your other articles about Michael Jackson. It would be a great start. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have given me some hope of the Human Race with your words. May God bless you Mr. Vogel.

Great words Elke, wish people would stop believing these BS lies, I’d bet my life AEG paid him well to tell this lie, Teddy Riley said last week “this is a pay off” just like Michael said anything for the money, they’d lie for it die for it, sad after all these years be still getting shit on

Thank you Joe. You once again have gathered every piece of pertinent information and brought the truth to fruition. Thank you for this wonderful article. Hopefully with continued articles like this Michael will be able to RIP after all. xoxoxoxo

Thank you for your continuous support of Michael Jackson. Your article should be widely distributed across the world. I believe that Mr. Jackson was a wonderful man; he truly did his best to make the world a better place for our children and future generations. Michael never harmed any children. It is heartbreaking that the attacks on this innocent, gentle, and loving man continue.

The guy must be running out of money….
He must of heard how much money the jacksons are going after avg for..

it makes me sick that people are still after Michael…
How sick is this world..
only rhings left good in this world is what God Made , animals, trees, grass, flowers. mammals.. and a few people…
When will it stop

Joe,
Thank you for your devotion to truth and the integrity you uphold reporting about Michael Jackson, from me and all of our members at MJ’s Love Is Magical website. I have been following you for years and sharing your work as well with many MJ fans worldwide. I have a lot of your work highlighted on my site (sourced back of course). MJ needs all the honest people who have done the proper research through the years to come to the fore and fight for him and to continue uphold his great legacy and name once again!

Well written and said!! This is absolutely a WITCH HUNT in the year of 2013! With Michael it has been such a horrific burden to carry since when it all began, 1993.. For a human being who did so much for a suffering world. Even before I researched the false allegations that almost destroyed Michael’s spirit, I knew in my heart and soul, that this beautiful human being, whose aura is of pure love, could NEVER hurt another human being, let alone a child. It only shows me that we live in a world where those whose hearts are full of darkness, with no conscious what so ever are truly the destroyers of those who are of the light.

Your article clearly points out how prejudice and fear can make vile lies seem true. I hope it’s read by many outside the MJ fan base and open minds to the truth that there is ZERO evidence that MJ ever molested anyone.

How sadly apt MJ’s lyrics to “Money” continue to be.

I’ll never betray or deceive you my friend but…
If you show me the cash
Then I will take it
If you tell me to cry
Then I will fake it
If you give me a hand
Then I will shake it
You’ll do anything for money

Wonderful article. Logical, fact based, thoroughly researched and nicely written. Public opinion seems to be siding with Michael Jackson this time around though.

I’m repulsed by the few people who assume this must be true because it is the third accusation. Reading is not that difficult. Anyone with a brain can see that the involvement of money and tabloid payouts within all of Michael Jackson’s cases would make the craziest of detractors consider anterior motives of the so called ‘witnesses’. Provide more than circumstantial evidence and assumptions to conclude that Jackson was a predator, please and thank you.

I actually didn’t know that they went through Jackson’s computer files and Internet searches. The lack of child pornography and innappropriate letters/photos is strange for an alleged molester. All the more reason to believe in his innocence.

Thank you so much for this intelligent factual and insightful read. I do not understand with so much truth in the records as fact, why so many still write and talk so much rubbish and utterly incredible hatred towards Michael Jackson.
We must continue to bring all this injustice to the surface and force the truth on the ridiculously minded.
Michael Jackson’s Children deserve to remember and look up to their father with the respect and wonderment that should be.
This is such an evil and cruel society.
Much works needs to be done and myself personally will carry on Michael’s work in the charity way as long as i live. I just hope one day EVERYONE can look to Michael Jackson and say We are truly Sorry Michael, the World is truly sorry for the way you were mistreated. Please forgive us.

Dear Mr. Vogel, I have to thank you for writing such a wonderful and truthful article. After having done some personal research on MJ myself, I ended up gaining a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for him, not only as a talented entertainer, businessman, philanthropist, etc. but also as a man. Your article really has illuminated the truth about the horrendous treatment he had sustained . MJ was vilified, crucified and lynched by the media. I don’t recall anyone in my lifetime, having ever sustained such heinous abuse as MJ had. Thank you for succinctly saying the absolute truth.

To Joseph Vogel, you are simply a breeze of perfection in your support of Michael J Jackson. I hope you take solace knowing just how much your words are welcomed by his fans the world over. We look forward to more of your contributions and I am aware how highly thought of you are amongst MJ’s immediate family. Big respect and much love to you sir.

To Wade Robson, “NO MAN CAN WEAR ONE FACE TO HIMSELF AND ANOTHER TO THE MULTITUDE WITHOUT FINALLY GETTING BEWILDERED AS TO WHICH MAY BE TRUE”, Hawthorne.

Everything else right on point
I just hope this once and for all clears Michael’s name because like about 95% of the public don’t believe him.
so hopefully they will really
“look and check the facts before you label or condemn me”
~Michael Jackson~
Thank You Joseph Vogle

Wonderful, excellent article. I will help to circulate this around to Michael Jackson fans and people outside of the fanbase as well. You defend Michael so brilliantly and rationally, it would be hard for ANYBODY to argue against you. Everything you said is completely spot on. I thank you so much for standing up and defending the “innocent man” who is Michael Jackson. I will be saving a copy of this for myself as well. Just excellent.

Thanks Joseph! I prefer the last sentence “But as long as big money is involved, it seems, the endless flow of scammers continue”, I think everything goes through there. I firmly believe in MJ’s innocence, and I want to thank you for your support.

Dear Joe,
I want to thank you for defending Michael Jackson. This man has endured, and tolerated all the fallacy, through out his life. A man who believes in humanity, love, and peace. Instead of praising this man who gave us so much with his music instead they humiliated him, over and over. Now again a molestation charge, it feels like a deja vu. When I read about this charge from Wade Robson, my heart fell out of my mouth, couldn’t believe my eyes, Michael is not here to defend himself, us fans need to defend him and with honor. He is/was an amazing man who helped thousands and thousands of sick children. I take this opportunity to say thank you again, and May God bless you.

Dear Joe,
After seeing the interview on the Today Show yesterday which brought such sadness to my heart for the injustice being done to Michael, reading your powerful and absolutely PERFECT words has now filled my heart with appreciation and joy! I am so glad that you are not only the voice of reason in this crazy situation, continually shining light on the Truth, but you are a champion for Michael, just as he was a champion to HELP children in need. Michael was an amazing man who loved God and wanted to serve Him by simply doing what he could to make the world a better place…he was a wonderful example of loving-kindness and showing us what it looks like to live from your heart, something the world sorely needs right now.
Sending you heartfelt gratitude, My Friend.
Warm wishes and blessings to you,
Trisha Franklin

Thank you for your article,which I hope people will read and realise this is just another disgusting attempt to abuse MJ’s wealth. We will never forget MJ and everything he did to make this a better world. RIP MJ

It is heartwarming to know that an honest human being such as yourself continue to use your craft to help defend an innocent humanitarian and raise awareness to the ignorant. Thank you Joel, for this sincere article of truth which reminds us all that we are not alone in our support of Michael as we continue to love and defend him. You are very much appreciated and God Bless.

Mr. Vogel…I am encouraged, in these days of finding little to be encouraged by, that someone of your stature and abilites to reach the public continues to speak out on behalf of Michael and who he was. Your article gave me some measure of hope that things will change one day. I have read your three books and found in them the beauty and wonder and genius of Michael’s creative journey. I have loved every word in them. I had hoped that we had moved on from the media lynching and people seeing Michael only as money…but, I am saddened to know that we are not there yet. I live in hope that it will happen one day soon. Thank you for your efforts and work and I know that you will continue.

Excellent article, Mr. Vogel. You have included so many excellent points and presented them logically and fairly. What Michael Jackson has been subjected to in both life and death is truly shameful. Thank you for writing this. As always, your defense of Michael is stellar.

Thank you for writing a thoughtful and honest piece of material. Words cannot express my gratitude. God bless you and your family. Continue to fight with sound of mind and TRUTH. You are not fighting alone.

Thank You! Michael was my friend,mentor, and many other things since we were children. I heard his cries over the phone many nights as he was torment with the lies… I watched the trial weight havoc on his body, heart and destroy his love for Neverland……. I promised Michael, I would always be here for him, I wish I could really tell you more but i promised Michael I wouldnt share our friendship.
Blessinfs,

Thank You! Michael was my friend,mentor, and many other things since we were children. I heard his cries over the phone many nights as he was torment with the lies… I watched the trial weight havoc on his body, heart and destroy his love for Neverland……. I promised Michael, I would always be here for him, I wish I could really tell you more but i promised Michael I wouldnt share our friendship.
Blessings,

I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for this straight forward honest piece. We, Michael’s fans, are VERY grateful to you for standing beside Michael as much as we do, knowing that he WAS, IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE 150% INNOCENT.

Yes, I completely agree that, as long as the almighty $$$ is involved, grifters, low-lifes and the dregs of the earth will come out of the woodwork to try to claim a small piece of the pie. This a VERY SAD, PATHETIC trait that human beings have. You, Michael’s fans and I all know that THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS ALWAYS PREVAIL and once again, scum like Robson will NOT get a penny.

Wow! The way that you weave words together – like a rich tapestry – always leaves me in awe. I want to be like you when I really grow up! In all seriousness, thank you for your objective analysis of this…mess. I feel for his children and hope that they come through these allegations and the trial unscathed.

Joe: Your assessments here are spot on and represent your gift so well – that of communicating from a pragmatic, sensible, logical, thoroughly-researched, historically-inclusive, and humane frame of reference.

As you demonstrated so well in your excellent book “Man In The Music”, Michael Jackson didn’t exist in a vacuum, but mirrors and interconnects with his world in so many profound ways all through his outstanding career and death has proved no barrier. How can we ignore the view of ourselves that his fate ultimately provides? Greedy, envious, small-minded, judgmental, unethical and dishonest people were attracted to him like garbage sucked into a tornado.

In a life filled with monumental ironies, the over-arching irony of Michael Jackson is that the record-breaking wealth that attracted so much tragedy meant little to him in and of itself but rather represented what he was put here to do – it gave him means to help others at an unprecedented level. He promised to do this down to his last penny, he and his currency becoming one, spent together. Astonishing that the money means so much and the man behind it so little. Thank you, Joe, for all you do to clarify Michael Jackson’s value.

Brilliant article! You never disappoint, Joe! Why isn’t this article being circulated around, instead of the usual lies and disrespect about Michael? The minute an article refers to MJ as Jacko I stop reading.

To quote Michael ‘Lies run sprints…the truth runs marathons.” Thank you, Joe for your objective article. Hopefully, with your help and other objective journalists, the truth Michael spoke of (the truth of his innocence) will win those marathons.

Dear Joe…Thank you for your insightful article regarding Michael. As a friend of his from the past, I have been horrified by WR’s allegations. They are most certainly motivated by money…and one doesn’t have to look far to see from whom. It is so shameful that this witchhunt continues.. Michael was hurt so badly by these allegations from 1993… And there was much behind them. Now that he is gone from the earth, someone else has stepped up to slander Michael’s good name. It is disgusting! And take advantage of the lawsuit Katherine is waging against AEG live. Enough is enough!

Thank you Joe for this excellent article. You have hit the nail on the head referring to this fiasco as a Witch Hunt! You are an excellent writer and your book Man In the Music is wonderful. Michael gave so much joy to this world with his music and humanitarianism, I will never truly understand why people do these awful things to him other than for Greed or jealousy. Thanks Again. RIP MJ and I wish nothing but Peace for Prince, Paris and Blanket and MJ’s family.

thank you very much for writing this……someone needed to…….
I find it sad that this is happening again, doesnt it seem odd that happens every 10 years?
it isnt just about money, it is about slander, it wont work, bc this man is innocent………

Thank you Joe! This is to be shared not only within the fan community but beyond. Excellent work! I wish he could have finished “An Innocent Man”. So many of Michael’s songs were autobiographical…if only the radio stations played the songs & the public ‘listioned’.

Dear Mr. Vogel, I thank you from the very bottom of my heart for this thoughtful article. It is concise and factual and beautifully articulated. I should also like to take this opportunity to say a hearty thank you for “Man In The Music” and “Earth Song.” I thoroughly enjoyed these books and they are two of my most prized collection of Michael memorabilia. Thank you again for standing up for Michael Jackson when so many others try to sully his good name.

Thank you for eloquently saying much of what I have thought but couldn’t properly express. I hope this is seen by the masses. Yesterday, I tried reaching out to try to express much of what you said but without your eloquence, wisdom or…fame…but failed miserably, so I’ve been basically praying my thoughts would be heard.

I saw your post via a tweet by one of Michael’s nephews (who also made national headlines yesterday by bravely revealing a very personal tidbit for no other reason than to stand up for his uncle in the name of truth and love); suffice to say the message I wanted to express was conveyed thanks to you. Thank you for having the courage, decency and heart to put your name on the line and stand up for the truth. Excellent article!

It’s jus disgusting that someone wud come out of the woodwork years after Michael’s death and make these accusations. A past defender of Michael for years now has a revelation? It’s all bout the money. Is it a coincidence that this billion dollar trial is goin on when he files his lawsuit? Of course not. No one cud understand Michael for who he was. He had the biggest heart, wud help anyone in need and spread his love to anyone, including children. This evil world jus cudnt, and can’t, relate to someone of his caliber. Michael has always been innocent, too trusting for sure, but innocent. This guy doesn’t even take into consideration Michael’s children in all this. All he cares bout is the mighty dollar. Pathetic!

In all the chaos and confusion surrounding WR’s betrayal and another viscious attack on Michael’s memory, it calms my soul to read your work.
Reasonable, fact based, fair…slicing through the bs and confirming what any thinking person already knows. Thank you for your efforts to insert truth and sanity into a mess caused by betrayal, greed and the continuing assault on the name and memory of a most remarkable man.

Many, many years ago, when Michael was still in his early twenties, my husband and I wanted desperately to attend a Jacksons concert, and later, when Michael became a solo artist, we wanted to see him in person, even more. But money was extremely tight, and we had become the parents of twin girls. So we listened to his music, and played it for the girls and it more often then not, help put them to sleep. As we all grew older, and Michael rose to stellar heights, we were fans of his. By the time he had done Thriller, Captain EO, Moonwalker, and all the countless other amazing songs, and videos, and won so many well-deserved awards, we were DIE-HARD fans and admirers. We marveled at his humanitarian efforts, his love for our world and its children and his Herculean efforts to end suffering wherever he found it. We applauded him, supported him and as a family, loved him During the taping of the Motown’s 25th Anniversary Special, Michael had to go to ABC Television studio to do “pick-up” shots. My husband Lee, who worked at the studio said he and his fellow co-workers had to sign waivers saying they would not take pictures of him, approach him or make contact with him in any way. Lee said there was a brief moment, when he and Michael had made eye contact. When he finally came home, he said quietly, that. “Michael’s eyes had told him a lot, in those few seconds. He wasn’t crazy, or strange. He was just sad, lonely and a prisoner of a fame so glorious, that it was consuming him, from the inside out”. I still cry when I remember that.

We were incensed when those horrible allegations were made against him. Of all the people in the world to choose to accuse of crimes against children! It was unbelievable. I wanted to write to him, contact him somehow, to show him my support, but alas, I didn’t. I convinced myself that my letters and cards would simply get tossed in a pile with thousands of other “fan” letters, or be read by assistants or staff members who would never let him know. I am so ashamed now, that I didn’t try. So I watched like the rest of the world, while the liars came forth, the haters hated, and the media fueled the flames and fed on his misery. He survived that onslaught, and we marveled at his resiliency. He went back to making videos, music and magic, got married and was on his way, we hoped, to a happy and fulfilling married life, like we had. Alas, that wasn’t to be, and we were saddened by his divorce and his desire for children going unrealized. But the music continued and he continued to delight our family.

Then in 2005, came new allegations. We were stunned. Not again. Dear God, not again! By now, my husband had been diagnosed with kidney failure and was on dialysis. But he still watched the trial, the lies, the media circus , everything that was happening again, for no reason. We watched Michael marching with dignity into the courtroom, with his family all around him. But slowly, things took their toll, and we watched him and cried for him, as everything took their toll on him. He was wasting away, in body and in spirit, and it broke our hearts. A man who tried to do good for and in the world, was being consumed by it. Even when all the verdicts came in, NOT GUILTY! we knew the damage had been done. Michael Jackson would never be the same, again.

My husband died in May of 2008, and Michael in June of 2009. I knew that both of them were out of their misery, and I knew that Michael could finally rest in peace…and then came, Wade Robson. Michael has been gone, these four years…FOUR YEARS. His family is facing a new trial, new heartbreaks, and the vultures are still circling. Joe, your article is a light shining in the darkness this world embraces. Michael was innocent. He IS innocent. Those who loved him and believed in him have never doubted that, and never will. Thanks for being our voice.

Thank you Joe for all of the kind words. It`s such a shame that with everything Michael had to endure now his afterlife has to deal with betrayal from someone he called “friend!” I can`t stand what Wade has done!!!! Just as we think all the backstabbers are done and MJ`s real friends are standing up for him here we go again!! On behalf of all mankind… Michael WE ARE SO SORRY!!! I live Michael with all my heart and to hear this now as we embark upon his 4th Anniversary it just bring tears to my eyes. As we all gather in Cali for MJ`s 4th Anniversary we will celebrate this wonderful man and everything he stood for and everything he was and still is!

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU…that is really all i can say you are amazing, it is so sad and upsetting i am pissed beyond believe with Robson..everybody does…so again thank you so much for this amazing artical and for defending such an angel as the love of my life Michael…so again, Thank you

We’ve heard the saying ‘It ain’t over until the fat lady sings.’ For the longest running show in history, The Persecution and Prosecution of Michael Jackson, the legendary fat lady is long overdue.

Jackson’s life seemed one long autopsy, and now his death seems a continuing exhumation. Senior cast villain DA Sneddon’s role was (my quote, his quest), to ‘send that presumptuous little Black upstart back where he belonged (at least psychologically) to the scared little kid in the corner of his dinky house in Gary, Indiana.” Sneddon and his Gang of Many sought to humiliate, disgrace, and finally erase Michael Jackson from life and memory. Supporting cast operatives Dimond, Orth, Bashir and other tabloid proctologists brought up the rear (no pun intended). They worked night and day in infamy. But wait!

Gathering in the wings were defenders of the fallen King of Pop, armed with knowledge, insight, wisdom, determination and courage to face down the villains again and again — in an endless campaign before victory is won, the fat lady sings and the curtain falls heavily and finally on the villain’s necks.

The war wages on because the truth of greatness is that it will not be submerged, marginalized, cheapened, dismissed, redefined or killed.
Thank you, Joe Vogel, and all who value Michael Jackson as artist supreme and as man. His ‘way of being’ in this world puzzled many and often brought him to grief, but also unleashed beauty and hope of calamitous proportions that fills hearts and minds worldwide.

This is, in one word… excellent! I was hoping and praying that you would write something in support of Michael. This is above and beyond anything I could have hoped for! As always, your writing is impeccable, thoroughly researched and presented in a clear, unbiased, intelligent, informative manor. Thank you so much Joe Vogel for providing this factual rebuttal to Wade Robson’s highly suspicious allegations!!
I now hope that your article will be reprinted throughout the world for all to see.
The media owes Michael at least that much.
I wish I could actually give you a huge hug right now!!! Thanks so much!

Thank you Joe, you said it all. It’s so sad that even in death his so called good friends are still turning on him for a buck and the media has made their stand against him and no matter what they aren’t going to change now. I’m glad their are some honest journalist’s that are willing to write the truth, but they are few.

Thank you Joe for standing up for Michael Jackson once again. The fact that you would be moved to write a piece with such strength and conviction in defense of a man no longer here to defend himself speaks volumes about your character and pursuit of truth. It is astonishing that in this country an individual can be invited to interview on a major network and be permitted to accuse someone of being a “pedophile and child sexual abuser” and at the same time not be required to provide any evidence to prove the claim. Is this not slander and defamation of character? Michael’s legacy is in the making. Exactly who is the victim here? I hope that your article reaches a widespread audience. You are the voice of Michael’s supporters everywhere.
Enough is enough already.

I Wish there were more journalists like you out there. I thought that WR may believe what he is telling because a psychologist successfully implantet the idea, but I had no quotes to support it. Thank You very much for this article! I hope the media circus will turn against WR this time.

Thank You Mr.Vogel for this article. How terrible it must have been for Michael to know how he was treated the way he was. He truly must have felt lonely at times. He said it many times.
“No-one will ever know what it’s like to have to be me”.
We already know a lot, but , maybe we indeed will never know how it really is to have to be him.
I am so grateful that you wrote this article, and that many more respected people (David Nordahl, Katie Hilton, Taj Jackson, Lionel Richie, Tom Mesereau, Charles Thomson, Frank Cascio, Debbie Rowe…. to name a few) stand up again to defend this wonderful man that Michael jackson is.

Thank you so much – again – for your intelligent and sensitive writing about Michael. The world needs more writers like you who really look at the facts and relay the truth, writers with integrity. I hope your article is read far and wide and that WR is exposed for what he really is. What a terribly sad and distressing assault by Wade.

Thank you so VERY much, Mr. Vogel, for this wonderful, clear and very objective article about Michael Jackson. THANK YOU for your support. THANK YOU for THINKING!

Thank you also, for your incredibly wonderful book about Michael – “Man in the Music”… I read it non stop and loved every word of it. It gave me a deep insight in Michael Jackson, the singer, the musician, the composer – and artist… THANK YOU once again. I will repost your wonderful article where ever I can.

What I just read was the truest of all truths. I cannot thank you enough for publishing this. When I heard about WR allegations all I felt was pure hatred and disgust for that psych. So thanks again for this masterpiece! Apparantly it’s not enough to just ‘spread Michaels L.O.V.E.’, we need to state the facts as well.
THANK YOU

Thank you so much for putting all the TRUTH together… This should be shared around all over the internet, as much as can be, in order to get this information into those who still doubt of his INNOCENCE, to open the eyes of those who still believe the disgusting media´s lies and those who are able to believe the lies of this latest money seeker Wade Robson… It´s really very strange that he comes up with all these FALSE accusations just as the trial Katherine/MJ´s children vs AEG is going on… To me it´s very suspicious… either it´s just greed by himself, or, maybe AEG have paid him to say all this, so to dirty once again Michael´s good name… I don´t know, whatever I´m 100% it´s all about money… One day all the Truth wil come out, cause Thank God, and I Believe in God, the Truth always prevails over the lies…….. Thanks again and God Bless You…. I will always Love Michael, every day of my life and I will always deffend him, forever.
Tracy xxx

thank you for putting out the TRUTH about michael jackson that the media clearly don’t wanna hear they still want to continue to brainwash people their version of michael jackson with one tweet taj took away “their mj” that they desperately wanted to hold onto because the media as a whole is afraid of a powerful black man such as michael jackson the media as a whole want to brainwash the public through certain networks that blacks are inferior and to promote self hate among other african americans Taj was a brave man to divuldge a dark secret to further prove michael jackson was innocent and the media including trashy media zoo aka TMZ can’t handle it nor the mainstream media as a whole because their so called manufactured mj has been destroyed

Mr.Vogel, thank you so much for this article! You are great journalist and it’s always interesting to read your works. You are absolutely right about all this situation. Jackson really faced more lawsuits than any other American. Shame on those people who try to accuse an innocent man. False accusations and gossips can destroy lives, just like they did with MJ. And these people don’t care, cause they will do anything for money.

Thank you yet again, Joe for your support for Michael – this time in the face of yet more outlandish allegations. Greed is an awful thing and it’s unbelievable how much of it seems to seep from those Michael loved, trusted and held close. They didn’t deserve him.

You are a brilliant journalist and a writer of stature!
Thank you for trying to open people mind stating the TRUE.
Hypocrisy together with ignorance, are still the most dangerous evils in the world. MJ was and it’ s a social cultural phenomenon, a persisting messenger of Universal LOVE and now more than ever it is absolutely important to talk about it and help public consciousness to wake up.
Once again..THANK YOU

Thanks so much for this my friend. Another defender. Thank god that there are still some left.
Michael was one the caring most awesome people ever. And would do anything for the world.
Its sick to think that stuff like this is still going on with people.
God bless Micheal and yourself
Thanks again
Charlie

Your art of Writing is just mind blowing! I am very greatful of your words about Michael and you wrote it with such beyond precizion…..Michael is knows to the world as the Gratest Artist and Humanitarian…such allegation is an old jacket! again Greed and Money are the motto of these people who drag The Man in the Mirror….to ruin his persona?? no way….The truth will come out..and god is not sleeping….We will continue to protect Micahel`s legacy..The Man deserves respect and love..as he sowed love and will surely reap it…

I could just hug you right now! Thanks so much for breaking this down so eloquently that even a child can see how Michael has been railroaded. I am so glad that you are on Michael’s side.

Please consider writing an article about the history of Adrian McManus since she is coming out of the darkness again with her lies. I hear the Robson’s legal team is trying to get her to testify at his trial.

I read on Twitter that the Huffington Post decided not to publish your story. I hope they change their mind. Anyway, like other fans, I am sharing this as much as I can. Generally I have avoided posting anything negative – about the civil trial, the false accusations, but your article must be read by any and everyone who dares to express an opinion on the situation.

Thank you again, Joe, for your own brilliant on-going contributions to perpetuating Michael’s life and legacy. I know we will come out of this stronger and better, but it is a heck of an endurance test just the same.

Thank you so much for this reading. As a fan I was thinking ” Oh no, not again. Now I have to look into it and have good arguments for why this guy is lying.. ” But you did that job, A very good one indeed,

Of course the Huffington Post doesn’t want to publish this article, because it speaks the truth. The media is only interested in the negatives and slamming Michael, even in his death. This article is not a witch hunt, and that is what the media wants right now. I refuse to give the 15 minutes of fame that Wade Robson wants. I will not watch his TV appearances or read anything that has to do with his words towards Michael Jackson. There is a special place in hell for people like this. And Michael will continue to smile down from Heaven, knowing the truth, just as us fans do.

Thank you for this wonderful article. Any truth-seeking, newsworthy place will want to print this article. The truth will come out, the truth we already know. All over the web, even non-MJ fans are finding WR’s story very hard to swallow. That says a lot.

You are so right Joe – Michael will never have any peace so long as there is money associated with his name. In years to come it will be his children who will wear the mantle of unconditional love and generosity of spirit he has bequeathed to them. We must all pray they will not be afforded the same inhumane treatment just because they carry his name and the fortune they inherit.

This article is well written and factual. After knowing how extensive the investigation was on Michael Jackson , the motives of these attacks were obvious then and still are today. And since Michael died, his children have tried to overcome this loss and live normal lives. For this to arise is cruel now. Anyone who claims their goal is for the children and not money, has failed to convince me, or the public, because a concern for the innocent has surely by passed the very children who have been through the trauma of loosing their father. Thank you for your article.

Tears….because it hurts so bad seeing how they keep trashing this kind and gentle man. For years I studies Michael Jackson’s life and also the 2005 trial. While studying I realized I could be faced with things I didn’t want. But nothing came up…. I just saw a global icon, a trusting man, who was an easy target and I saw people willing to use their children to get what they want: money and 15 minutes of fame.
The latest allegations made by Wade Robson were extra hard, because Wade was part of Michael’s life, the story as we knew it. We envied that little boy, who got to know Michael and was part of pop history. When our enemies betray us, we expect it and we know what to do, how to react. But when our friends attack and betray us, we are lost.
I know for 1000% Michael Jackson is an innocent man. He was just too famous, too kind, too trusting. When it came to children, he just couldn’t see the bad in them; children represented the good and divine to him. It’s hard seeing the evil in anyone if you yourself are the embodiment of good.
Thanks Joe, for this amazing article! I really needed this…even though everything is true and even though I already knew all this. I needed this and your words are healing.

I will always keep loving and supporting Michael . Everyone now needs to know once and for all that Michael Jackson was and still is innocent. Wade Robson is only interested in Money,but Michael being the sweet kind and nieve person he was unfortunately people took advantage of his nice and kind nature,he was and still is a true sweet beautiful human angel,there is no way Michael would even think of hurtinga child ,and he was childlike himself ,and thats what we all love about him. AND IT people taking advantage of him for that. Michael was a true man of God who only wanted to love ,heal and help,thankyou for this article,its about time everyone knew the truth

I saw “Joe Vogel” in the URL to this article and knew it had to be good. I became a fan of Michael after June 25, 2009, but during his life on Earth did I NEVER believe the rumours or allegations that he abused children. A man who had a giant zoo and amusement park in his garden, who visited hospitals, had a foundation called “Heal the World” and sang about helping children – to me it was simply not logical that this man would be guilty of something criminal. I do not believe Wade Robson for a split second. Us non-famous folks are told to get a job or go on Social Welfare if we need money, not badmouth people. The one thing I am glad about in this situation is that Michael is far and above all this witch hunt, he is not hurt or offended anymore. Thankfully. And I have been badmouthed because I have a tattoo that says “Michael Jackson 1958 – Forever” (people seem to read it as “I love Michael Jackson, please give me crap”) and I have pissed THEM off because they can’t piss me off. I tell them the truth and they refuse to believe it. Well, that’s their problem.

Joe, once again you have proven what is so obvious to everyone and in such a way that even a “fifth grader” could understand exactly what you mean. Thanks for remaining on Michael’s side, he needs people like you to be able to bring light into claims like the one in this case. I guess this guy is thinking he can just tag along and reap benefits from allegations thrown out there because Michael cant defend himself….he doesn’t realize that he has opened Pandora’s box and he is also now open for allegations from anyone he has worked with…karma is a b****!

Joe, I want to say ThanX for this article from the bottom of my heart. You stand up for Michael and that is great.
All links in the article I read, are usefull and some are new to me.
It is a real shame now Michael is gone, some will throw filth arround ($$$)!
ThanX for defending MJ and I wanna say I read Man in The MJusic, Earth Song and Featuring MJ with pleasure.
Marry.

My heart breaks over and over again with every of these false and horrible allegations, which are nothing but mean lies. It upsets and saddens me to see what people are able to do just to feed their greed. Michael Jackson was one of the most humble, caring, loving and innocent people who ever walked the earth. Be free, Michael, they can’t hurt you anymore!

Wonderful article. Truth has a way of making itself known, as it ultimately will in this case. Your articles are always thoughtful, well researched and fact based and will only help to strengthen Michael’s innocence and legacy as an artist and humanitarian.

“When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him”.
– Jonathan Swift

Thank you Joe for your continued support of MICHAEL JACKSON. I believe in him so much it’s consuming me because I cannot understand how anyone can ….’sell their soul to the DEVIL’….Michael was his mentor,guided him and this is how he shows his gratitude!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN.

Thank you very much for writing and publishing this article about who Michael Jackson is(was). Sadly, I need to agree with Vogel that as long as big money is involved, the relentless stream of grifters will continue. I wonder if mankind will ever find a way to “heal the world”.

greed for money “sigh” … With this article – and it is perfect – you give hope for a lot of peoples. At the time my heart does cry but maybe it will give peace and honor for the man, father and son Michael Jackson, for his childrens and his family. I send tu you my respect and will share this article. Heartly regards from Germany

Wade Robson can’t tarnish this great legacy MJ left behind. He is irrelevant. I know that MJ is a great person. Evil was not in that man at all. Time heals all and in a month Wade Robson will be forgotten and he will lose the civil case and be completely embarrassed. He’s a loser and a liar and a money hungry shark. Go away Wade. You won’t win.

Thank you so much for this intelligent, well written article.! I have tremendous admiration for your work on Michael Jackson. I hope you know how important and uplifting this article is for the people who care for Michael. I have so much respect for Taj also. He is a very brave man!

Just wanted to say thank you for all that you have done and for writing this wonderful piece.

MJ helped so many in his lifetime in so many different ways and very few have stood up for him; so when someone like yourself does it means so much to all of us.

I saw a comment on another sight that made fun of the song title “Hold My Hand” and like all of his songs if they only let themselves see Michael, and his songs with the eyes of a child they might be able to see the beauty in the words. “Hold My Hand” is what Michael did – he held hands with all of humanity – supporting, mentoring, teaching, guiding, loving – all with his childlike heart.

Bless you for honoring him with the truth and standing up for him and the truth.

To all the fans and to you Mr. Vogel, Michael Jackson was and still is the most misunderstood enigma, human being ever. People judged this man for his looks, his lifestyle, his eccentricties, all because they did not understand him. It is the pain any human being must face for being different. I do not and never will believe in Wade Robson’s ridiculous allegations. As Mr. Vogel and some had said, Michael Jackson can no longer defend himself anymore, but I don’t think this allegations will continue to hurt his legacy. There will never be another Michael Jackson. When he was alive, he was a survivor. In death, he will continue to be a survivor because he one thing that made him stronger, love. Rest in peace, Michael.

All I can say is thank you. I cannot understand for the life of me why people still want to accuse this man of being a child molester. There have been experts who have said that he does not fit that profile at all. Wade Robson is going to reap what he sows just like the other 2 accusers. I find it funny that people call MJ a child molester and yet only 3 accusers have come forward. The fact remains each one of them are about money. What parent in their right mind would accept money instead of making sure that person is under the jail for touching their child? The very people that are still accusing him need to wake up and really think about that logic for a second.

Brother Vogel,
Thank you for shining the light of truth on another injustice propagated by the mainstream media and their amoral dupes on the world wide web. MJ fans have every reason to happy and positive heading into this fourth annual ‘Michael Week’. We’ll see the debut of Cirque Du Soleil’s flagship show ‘One’ in Las Vegas next week and are anticipating the announcement of the release of the official soundtrack, a 2 disc CD set of new mixes created by musical director Kevin Antunes. And as a highlight to our ‘Michael Week’ we’ll commemorate June 25, 2013 at Forest Lawn (Glendale, Ca.) with more than fifteen thousand roses for The King.
GOD BLESS YOU JOSEPH VOGEL

I wish some one would point out the OBVIOUS correlation with AEG’s previous publicized threats should Katherine and the family pursue their civil case against them, which is estimated to be worth possibly $$$BILLIONS$$$! This is too suspect AND “UGLY”. If it’s not bullying them to stop litigation, it is sure detracting attention from the trial, which I was most interested in hearing testimonies from.

Thank you, Joe, for your determined efforts to show what really happened in Michael Jackson’s life. It means so much to his devoted fans and admirers that a person of your stature and accomplishment continues to speak the truth. While disappointed that HuffPo (foolishly) decided not to run your excellent piece, rest assured that it will find its way into the media. Hopefully, it will be read by the eternal boneheads who seem unable to stop sucking from the tabloids’ teets. It’s time they moved on to a more adult diet, one that’s fortified with solid facts that contribute to a healthy brain and discerning mind.

Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU, Joe! Your article was brilliant, insightful, and fair. You hit all of the points right on. You are a breath of fresh air and I wish that other journalists were as fair and open-minded as you are when it comes to Michael Jackson. The sad thing is that all of what you said is easy for anyone to see who has done research and rational deductive thinking and reasoning. The bottmoline is that you don’t have to be a Michael Jackson fan in order to see this latest claim for what it is-LYING FOR MONEY. Thank you again writing the truth about Wade Robson’s COWARDLY and BOGUS claim.

This is the most insightful and intelligent article ever written about Michael Jackson. It has troubled me for years that this incredibly talented and inspired man was hunted to death. Another exceptional source of understanding of this witch hunt mentality , and the enormous damage to individual lives that results , is the Sean Penn narrated documentary entitled ” Witch Hunt” about normal people accused of child molestation without evidence. Certainly, we need to take a child seriously and empower victims but these opportunists who accuse for personal agendas actually set back the cause of victims rights by many decades. Not only do they rape and destroy the innocent/ accused, they rape and destroy the credibility of real victims of child molestation. The media is the driving force and our appetite for salacious garbage is what the media feeds.

This is a really good article and it has good information in it. And as you said it could be possible that a therapist could have made a suggestion. Wade could have what they call false memory syndrome, and as you said believe he was abused whether he was abused or not. Thankyou for deending Michael.

Thank you very much Mr. Vogel, there are still honest people who defend the truth against the current, like you should be more in this world, Michael Jackson helped many people anonymously kids who they are unfortunately no longer but if their families, children who are now teenagers have been helped by Michael Jackson comes to my the memories the boy who needed an liver transplant and that Michael i fight with his wife lisa mery until achieve such operation, (abandoned by his parents) and many stories and many more, where they are for defend him?.
Thanks again Mr. Vogel.
I have not read the book “man in the music” in my country (Spain) I have not edited it’s a shame.
an affectionate

I am from the Netherlands, dearvfriends of mine always share your writings wity me.
Thank you so much for doing this. Thank you for believing in Michael always.
No matter how hard they try again now, and as I have tears writing this…love will win.
Michael was and will always be LOVE.
God bless you Mr. Joe

Thank you sooooo much for yet another wonderful, well written article on MJ! I will share this with everyone I know. The irony of these false allegations coming out at the same time the AEG trial began should be apparent to everyone. Evil is surely present but ultimately good will prevail. Lets celebrate the life of MJ now as we never have before. May God continue to Bless Your Heart Mr. Vogel.

I believe this young man. I work with familys for a living. A lot of people who this sort of thing happens to stay around the person. Really they feel sorry for the abuser. It took my sister a long time before she told of what he did to her as a little girl. See the abuser abuses so many people that they forget who. So when teir confronted they say no I didn’t because they may or may not remember. This young man lied out of fear and just maybe Quincy Jones knows this man us telling the truth he was the one who turned out Michael.

You are the primary source for excellent and well researched material on Michael Jackson. I admire your work, your accuracy and determination. Thanks for always being my ray of hope in the vast pool of tabloid media!

As a 42 year old, white, farm-raised family physician from the mid-west I often receive odd looks from people when I discuss my addiction to MJ’s music, and my respect for him as one of the great human beings to walk the planet.

The looks have been more odd lately, some people even saying, “But how can you…Because he…?”

Thank you, Mr Vogel, for giving me something that I can print out and then slam down on the table in front of them crying out loudly “BOO YAH!!”

Thanks, as always for another awesome, factual article. With all the media buzzing about AEG and WR, I feel more positive now that i’ve read your article. Why can’t they just leave Michael alone?
Well, any way, keep writing about truth and again, thank you Mr. Vogel
-MJ Kimble

Thank you so much for writing this Joe. I suppose we will have to go on defending Michael for the rest of our lives, but he was worth it over and over again, as long as it takes until this nonsense stops, and we can really concentrate on his genius and art in all its forms.

Thank you Joe! thanks for this great article, you always make a serious investigation and defend him the way it has to be, evil people will go on hurting his legacy just to get money, but we know he was innocent, and he was one of the most loving and pure men in the world

I offer my heartfelt thanks for your continued defense of Michael. The hurt we feel is real because of the overwhelming, cruel, continuous and wrongful abuse that is targeted at Michael. Prayers for Michael, his family and you and yours….God Bless…

I don’t know how I didn’t find this article until 10 days after the rest of the world (!!) because I have read your articles and books on Michael for a long time now. There are actually a handful of journalists who treat Michael with dignity and fairness and you are one of them.

That said, your article brought me to tears. To me, the persecution and destruction of Michael Jackson is one of the great tragedies of our generation. One of the most gifted people to ever grace our world was turned into a monster, a pariah. Not only is it an unspeakable tragedy for Michael and those who loved him but it is also a tragedy for all of us. Have we become so Sneddon-ized, Grace-ized and Dimon-ized that we have lost all empathy or ability to wonder what the consequences are if our castigation is wrong? What has always astounded me about the pervasive scorning and vilification of this man was the complete lack of compassion or caring for him as a human being. He was so objectified that people actually took pleasure in his stoning and seemed to relish watching him suffer – all fueled by opinion, fabrication, conjecturing and a sensationalized, hysterical media run wild. I would like to hope that the lesson of Michael Jackson is that such hatred will never again be an inciting force. Sadly, I fear we have a long way to go …

Dear Mr Vogel,
Thank you for being so courageous and defending this exceptional man , a. Humanitarian who has helped entire nations to come out from famine, a gifted and talented artist who has been and still is seen as a bunch of $$$.
This in fact relates the sad but true reality of our society.
God have mercy on MJ and his children.

Your book Man in music is one of the best I’ve read about his artistic work, thank you.

Thanks you for this insightful and very informative article and unbiased article. This really does look like a modern day version of the Boston Witch hunts. MJ was a musical genius and it is very sad to see this continue when MJ cannot defend himself. This must be traumatic for his children who have done nothing but love their father.

What ppl won’t do for money , yes AEG paid wade to lie , this is sad , I guess no one told him dity money is bad money . He will reget he lied on MJ , wade will have no peace. He should b place jail for the lies. But the truth will b know . God is going to make sure of it. MJ would never ever hurt a child . He loved children , this makes so mad that ppl will do say anything for money but soon they will realize it wasn’t worth it , Wade was MJ friend , he gave him a job and help him in return he lied on MJ. That’s some BS about repress . They r the criminals not Micheal , all need to go to jail . AEG get ready to pay out your @!()/.

This could not be said any better…and kudos to Taj for writing publicly about his uncle. Michael took him and his 2 brothers under his wing…after their mother was killed in her home (she was not married to Tito any longer).. And thank you, Joe for all your books, and study of Michael…and his musical genius. I certainly appreciate it!

This is so well written. I am so greatful to have read this. I am a fan of Michael Jackson and although i beleive him to be innocent it is difficult to find the right words to help others see. I can now use the things and the way you have written here to support my feelings about this case. Thankyou

How sickening it is to know that as *humanity* , It is humans that are the most inhumane of all….Vile unfounded lies, the literal torture of a man who wanted nothing more than to love, Everyone and every creature under gods own hand…yet even after death, they continue to abuse, lie, cheat and steal from a true humanitarian…Wonderfully written article <3

I can appreciate the need to defend MJ, but as Lisa Marie said in her 2010 interview with Oprah, regarding allegations of molestation: “No. … I was never in that room. I can tell you I never saw anything like that.”
None of us were in the bedroom with MJ and Wade Robson. They are the only two people who really know what happened. Those of us who claim without a doubt to “know” are, sadly, mistaken.

Those of us who defend MJ speak the truth as we believe it. But we mustn’t disparage Robson for speaking his truth. A person’s understanding of life can and does change. What made sense to you as a twelve-year-old upon reflection often appears entirely different to your adult self.

MJ was certainly a genius. We can admire his music and dance, and love him as an incomparable entertainer. He was a kind, loving, and intelligent person. But he was still an imperfect human. None of his virtues prevent him from also being a person who could play sexual games with a boy who trusted and loved him. And if he did molest his friends, it doesn’t change the indisputable fact that he was a talent unlike anyone else in the world.

There is more than one side to any person. Surely each of us has done things in private that we wouldn’t do in front of an audience.

Robson’s experience is by no means impossible. His story is typical of many abuse survivors (especially abuse committed under the guise of love). We don’t really know his motives.

“Many individuals do not prevent, recognize, or accept the sexual victimization of a child by a respected member of society because they cannot believe a man who is good and spiritual and who seems to truly care for children could be a child molester. Such offenders can be the Big Brother of the Year, most popular teacher, or best soccer coach. It is not uncommon for these offenders to be viewed as “child magnets” or “pied pipers” who have an extraordinary ability to relate to children and to whom many children are drawn.”

In Dante’s Inferno, the worst circle of hell is reserved for those who betray a benefactor. I’m afraid has Robson bought himself a one-way ticket.

There is a funny thing that happens to people in the presence of overwhelming goodness & a joyful spirit. It serves as a reflection of your own soul. Some people recognize this, and are inspired to grow. Others recognize it, but try to destroy it so they won’t look bad by comparison.

People tried to destroy Michael because he represented things in themselves they didn’t want to face – their own loss of innocence, their selfishness, their lust for money & power, whatever… there is a fork in the road there where one has to decide.

The ones who chose to try to destroy him, however, have failed completely and miserably. Michael is bigger & better than ever – and still teaching us. America is slowly waking up to the Big Lies. Grown men cry over this.

Imagine if you were Tom Sneddon, years later, realizing what you did. How do you live with yourself?

Robson will have to answer the same question. The good news this time is that hardly anyone believes him.

JOSEPH VOGEL is an Assistant Professor at Merrimack College, where his research and teaching focus on contemporary American literature, film, popular music, popular culture, and environmental studies. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, The Huffington Post, PopMatters, the Journal of Popular Music Studies, and The Journal of Popular Culture, and is forthcoming in the F. Scott Fitzgerald Review and Scribner’s Dictionary of American History. He holds a PhD from the University of Rochester.

“Joseph Vogel has brilliantly cracked the DNA, the code of the work, the artistry of Michael Joseph Jackson.This is the book I have been long awaiting — a pointed, intelligent dissection of an epic body of work.” —SPIKE LEE

"The only comprehensive and critical rundown of Jackson's solo material." —ROLLING STONE

"Vogel takes the reader album-by-album, song-by-song and examines in exhaustive detail how Jackson produced a lifetime’s worth of music that became a soundtrack to the lives of millions." —ASSOCIATED PRESS

"Don’t be surprised if it makes you go back and listen…with a whole new outlook on the King of Pop.” —ZACK O'MALLEY GREENBURG, FORBES

"[Vogel] is a writer of wit, wisdom, insight and poetic finesse. [His] MJ work is the gold standard." —BARRY MICHAEL COOPER